Pencils? Check.
Notebooks? Check.
Bookbag? Check.
Scientific calculator? Check.
Uniform shirt? Check.
Pads and tampons? Uh-oh!
When preparing for the new school year, heading to the Staples and Rumi to stock up on cute stationery supplies seems like a no brainer but how about the menstrual hygiene aisle at the supermarket? Although all New York public middle and high schools are required to have free period products available in the restrooms, it’s easy to be caught unaware. Bathroom dispensers in schools, however, are only a drop in a bucket compared to the millions of menstruators who face period poverty every year.
Period Poverty is the inability to buy period products like tampons, pads, or menstrual cups. In March 2023, the American Association of Pediatrics endorsed a statement by the North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology to eliminate period poverty and increase young people’s access to menstrual products. In 2021, nearly 20% of menstruating, school age girls left school early or didn’t attend school at all because of the lack of period protection.
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Brooklyn Public Library’s Cycle Alliance is determined to help menstruating students get the period protection they need for the new school. From now until the end of September, BPL’s Cycle Alliance is now accepting donations of:
- Unopened boxes of tampons, maxi pads, and menstrual cups;
- Loose and individually wrapped maxi pads and tampons;
- Travel-sized bottles of lotion and toothpaste;
- Bags of hard candies like peppermints; and
- Travel sized packages of personal wipes and deodorant.
Teens in need are welcome to come to the Central Branch to pick up menstrual comfort kits and attend programming geared towards you.
Teens, get reliable and researched answers to your Puberty and Sex Ed questions. Email us at bklynfuture@bklynlibrary.org and expect an answer within two weeks. Excerpts of questions may be used anonymously in upcoming Bklyn Future posts.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or mental health counseling. Please consult with a medical or mental health professional when seeking medical or mental health advice, diagnoses, or treatment. We are not liable for risks or issues associated with your using or acting upon the information in our site.
Upcoming Events
Button Making - Pronouns
Make your own custom 2.5" buttons for your backpack or bag.
We'll have blank buttons for you to design and decorate, and pronoun buttons that you can color.
All ages are welcomed!
This program will take place on the main floor
Bee Hives, Lip Balms, and Honey Tasting for Teens
This event is for teens in high school, ages 13-18. Interested in learning about bees, honey, and hives? Join us alongside Bee U NYC with bee experts and enthusiasts for a live hive demonstration, honey tasting, and lip balm making workshop.
This program will be held in both the…
Game On: Board Games
Play board, card, and tabletop games at Dyker Library! Come grab one from the information desk and bring back all pieces in their box when you're done.
You must leave a library card to get a game. Cards will be returned upon return of the game.
Arts and Crafts Circle
A casual, bi-weekly arts and crafts meet-up for adults. Join us to work on projects, trade skills, and socialize with other makers!
Bring your own materials and enjoy the practice of making with others. Some supplies will be provided if you don’t have a project to work on.
This…
Teen Study Time!!
Teens!
Need a quiet place to study!
Look no further have we got the place for you!
Come and study at the Bedford Teen Study Hour!
See you there!
Teen Fun Time: Games, Conversations & Good Vibes
Join us at the library to play UNO, Bingo, Jenga, and more. Connect with friends, meet new people, and enjoy relaxed conversations about sports, fashion, and current trends. A welcoming space to unwind, socialize, and have fun.
Ages 13 - 18
Free Snacks will be provided!
Teen Time
Teen Time: Come to the Ulmer Park Library to hang out.
Join us for a fun afternoon of games with your friends and make new friends. Snacks will be provided.
Kids Create
Come make something with us at Arlington Library. Designed for ages 6-12.
Staff notes: Any art or craft program for ages 6-12. Add the activity, if you know it, after a colon.
Example: Kids Create: Origami; Kids Create: Collage
Teen Chess Club
Learn or practice chess with Coach Bah! Players of all levels are welcome. Bring your friends!
Coach Bah is a National Chess Master with over 8 years of experience teaching and coaching students in public schools, private schools, after-school programs, and community…
This blog post reflects the opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of Brooklyn Public Library.
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